Annette's Career Achievement Awards

Among the most popular items on display at our booth at D23 Expo 2015 were Annette's collection of career achievement awards - on public exhibition for the first time ever!

In addition to her "Walk of Fame" award (which we showed you in our previous post), Annette's "Disney Legend Award" was also on display; accompanied by the very letter Annette received from Roy E. Disney bearing the news she had been selected to receive the companies most prestigious award.

Annette accepted her award during a ceremony held at the Walt Disney Studios on October 21, 1992 - one day prior to her 50th Birthday.

Annette at her Disney Legends ceremony at the Walt Disney Studios, October 21, 1992.

Annette's 1959 "Tower of Talent" award, presented by WPTR Radio, was also on display. She received the award in recognition of her hit record "How Will I Know My Love".

Annette was presented the key to the city of Utica, New York - her hometown.

"45 Years of Service Award", presented to Annette by the Walt Disney Company.

On June 24, 2013, Annette was posthumously honored when the Walt Disney Studios renamed Stage 1 on the studio lot the "Annette Funicello Stage". Annette is only the second person to have a stage re-dedicated in their honor. A plaque identical to the one presented to her husband, Glen Holt (pictured above) is affixed to the side of the soundstage which now bears her name.

Displayed beside the plaque is a program, pass and fan card from Annette's "Life Celebration" held that same day in the Studio Theater.

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Annette Funicello: Tributes from Fans and Friends

It's simply not often enough that I have the opportunity to alert our readers of a brand new Annette related product, but finally, the long dry spell between such releases has come to an end with the book, Annette Funicello: Tributes from Fans and Friends . Rita Rose, former president of Annette's international fan club, has compiled the personal memories and reflections of over forty individuals who are related to, have met, worked with or befriended this most likable star. While Annette is famously remembered for being the same person in her daily life as she appears on screen, this book takes you deeper and reveals some of the lesser known dimensions of her character and personality. Find out what it was like to encounter Annette as a fan, to be a guest in her home, to collaborate with her in the recording studio and attend to her on-set or on one of her early promotional tours in the '60s. Some share how they first learned and reacted to the news of Annette...

NEWS: Bikini Beach and Pajama Party Debut on Blu Ray

Just in time for Christmas, MGM is releasing two of Annette's classic AIP films on Blu ray - a wonderful gift to fans this Holiday season! BIKINI BEACH (1964) and PAJAMA PARTY (1964) are both currently available to order at major retailers online and are scheduled to ship by December 5th. Those familiar with the MUSCLE BEACH PARTY, BEACH BLANKET BINGO and HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI Blu Rays can attest to the beautifully enhanced image and sound quality revealed in those releases. It is assumed we can expect the same level of improvement over the old DVD's for these latest titles as well!

A CLOSER LOOK: Bob Hope's Thanksgiving Special Promotional 33 1/3 rpm

Beginning in 1950, the legendary comedian and Hollywood personality, Bob Hope began making television specials for NBC. For these shows, Hope was joined by a variety of celebrity guests and other talent who performed and participated in skits consistent with the incredibly popular variety show format of the time. Hope's specials were considered must-watch television and were a popular draw through the mid- '80s. Annette Funicello's fans across the country felt especially blessed the Thanksgiving season of 1964 when it was announced that she would be appearing on Hope's upcoming holiday special. Annette made the appearance to promote her latest picture, Pajama Party (released November 11, 1964) and her Annette at Bikini Beach record album - which she performed two songs from on the show. I've always found vintage promotional ephemera to be especially interesting... seeing how the creatives of entertainment chose to promote their latest offering t...

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